The way people live while striving to do the good deeds varies according to different philosophical, ethical and religious beliefs. Different religions teach people to go good and be just according to their different beliefs and practices that shape their life. This paper focuses on the issue of seeking the highest good as expressed in Confucianism, Christianity and Taoism in terms of how similar or different are the ideas and beliefs that these three religious groups have.
In the article, Tao describe the goodness to be conducted just like water that reaches most reserved and isolated places where no human being can reach. Thus just like the way water helps the natural plants and animals without segregation or prejudice, human highest good should be conducted in similar manner whereby a person should be just to the nature, do good and just to other people and be truthful and dedicated to their activities. This speech is a philosophical interpretation of how human beings should live peacefully while ensuring their deeds does not affect other people or their surroundings in a negative way as this, according to Taoism beliefs, is the suitable way of achieving the highest good. This is similar in some way to Confucius and Christian beliefs whereby in Christianity, believers are encouraged to live the right live of caring and being just and loving to other people as it is the will of God communicated through holy teachings (Beversluis, 2011). Confucianism on the other hand, believes in the ethical living of a person whereby their deeds are ethically right whilst living with other people in the society.
The issue of right doing to right being is perceived differently in various religious beliefs and practices. In Taoism beliefs and guidelines for instance, the right doing is achieved through the process of right being. This means that if Human beings’ core being is right, then they are able to live in harmony naturally and this way they can be able to do what is right. This is a philosophical indication that in order for someone to do the right, they have discover their inner breath that enables one’s action to bring about peace and harmony with nature (Oxtoby, 2007). Confucianism on the other hand indicates that right doing results to right being whereby one has to live in the right either in the family, in the society or to the rest of the world in order to accomplish the right doing. This means that self -development and accomplishing ethical requirements that helps one to attain his rightful place are the key essential factors that a person must consider first so as to do the right thing.
Christianity beliefs that right being can only be achieved through developing a righteous relationship with God through repentance of sins and adhering to the Ten Commandments in all deeds. Right doing and good morals are the mandatory things for a Christian as they are the essential factors that determine the person’s relationship with God by following His holy words. Apart from doing morally and righteous things, a person should seek a close relationship with God through the act of baptism and communion rites.
Seeking the highest good is a controversial issue that people from different religious backgrounds strive to achieve trough exercising what they believe in. Whereas Taoism believes in living harmoniously with nature and the society, Confucius teaches the ethical existence and good virtues while a person should strive to self-development so as to assume the rightful place in the society. Christians on the other hand seek the highest good through seeking a close relationship with God by following the teachings of his words and repentance of sins.
References
Beversluis , J. (2011). Sourcebook of World's Religions: An Interfaith Guide to Religion and Spirituality. NJ: New World Library.
Oxtoby, W. (2007). A concise introduction to world religions. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
